Few things are as comforting as a big, steamy bowl of split pea soup with ham on a chilly day. It’s thick, rich, and packed with smoky, savory goodness. This soup is the ultimate way to give new life to leftover ham while creating a meal that’s filling, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make.
No leftover ham? No worries! You can still enjoy this soup with smoked ham hocks, diced ham, or even crispy bacon bits. The best part? It requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers big flavor. Looking for more cozy meals? Try Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup for another hearty, comforting option.
What Are Split Peas?
Green vs. Yellow Split Peas
Split peas come in two main varieties: green and yellow. Green split peas are slightly sweeter and the most common choice for split pea soup with ham. Yellow split peas are milder and earthier, often found in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes like dal or curries.
Nutritional Benefits
Don’t let their tiny size fool you—split peas are a nutritional powerhouse! They’re high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, making split pea soup a hearty, gut-friendly, and nutritious meal. Plus, they help stabilize blood sugar and keep you full for hours!
Do Split Peas Need Soaking?
Unlike beans, split peas don’t require soaking before cooking. Just give them a quick rinse to remove any dust or debris. As they simmer, they break down naturally, creating a thick, creamy soup—no blender necessary!
(Want to learn more about the benefits of split peas? Check out this guide!)
Ingredients for Split Pea Soup with Ham
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried green split peas
- 1 ham bone (or smoked ham hock)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced potatoes for a chunkier texture
- Smoked paprika for a deeper, richer taste
- Heavy cream for extra creaminess
- Garlic croutons for a crispy contrast
No ham bone? No problem! Use smoked turkey, bacon, or even a vegetarian option like smoked tofu to get that classic depth of flavor in your split pea soup with ham.
How to Make Split Pea Soup with Ham
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Dice onions, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces for uniform cooking. Rinse your split peas well under cold water to remove any excess dust. If you’re using a ham bone, trim excess fat to prevent the broth from becoming overly greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step helps build a strong, flavorful foundation for the split pea soup with ham.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add split peas, ham bone, bay leaf, thyme, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peas will slowly break down into a naturally thick and creamy consistency.
(For another classic comfort dish, try Beef Barley Soup—a hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for cold nights!)
Step 4: Adjusting the Texture
If the soup is too thick, add more broth. If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, blend a portion and stir it back in. During the last 15 minutes, add diced ham so it stays tender while enhancing the smoky, savory flavor of your split pea soup with ham.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup
Choosing the Best Ham
- Leftover ham bone delivers deep, rich flavor.
- Smoked ham hocks add incredible smokiness.
- Diced ham works best when added toward the end.
Boosting the Flavor
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances umami.
- A parmesan rind simmered in the broth adds richness.
- A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the soup at the end.
(For another deliciously creamy soup, check out Zuppa Toscana Soup—a perfect balance of rich, hearty flavors!)
Serving Suggestions
Toppings to Elevate Your Bowl
- Crispy garlic croutons for crunch
- Freshly cracked black pepper for depth
- A swirl of heavy cream for richness
- Crispy bacon bits for extra smokiness
What to Serve with Split Pea Soup
Pair this soup with a buttery slice of sourdough bread, a fresh salad, or enjoy it alongside Chicken Tortilla Soup for a delicious, flavor-packed meal.
Split Pea Soup FAQ’s
What if I Don’t Have a Ham Bone?
Use smoked ham hocks, diced ham, or crispy bacon. For a vegetarian alternative, add liquid smoke and extra root vegetables for a deep, savory flavor in your split pea soup.
Why Aren’t My Peas Cooking?
Old split peas take longer to soften. Hard tap water or high altitudes can also slow cooking. If needed, add an extra 30 minutes to fully soften them.
(Learn more in this USDA high-altitude guide.)
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for 2–3 months. Reheat with extra broth to loosen it up and restore the perfect texture.
Can I Add Potatoes?
Yes! Add diced potatoes in the last 30 minutes for extra heartiness. Keep in mind, potatoes thicken the soup, so adjust liquid accordingly for the ideal consistency.
More Cozy Soups to Try
- Mexican Street Corn Soup – A creamy, cheesy delight.
- Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crockpot) – Rich, creamy, and comforting.
- Marry Me Chicken Soup – So good, it might just win you a proposal!
Split Pea Soup with Ham
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried green split peas rinsed
- 1 ham bone or smoked ham hock
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 1/2 cup diced ham added at the end
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop onions, carrots, and celery. Rinse split peas under cold water to remove debris. If using a ham bone, trim excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (5-7 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Simmer the Soup: Add split peas, ham bone, bay leaf, thyme, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Texture: If soup is too thick, add more broth. If you prefer a smoother soup, blend a portion and mix it back in. Remove ham bone, shred any remaining meat, and return it to the pot.
- Final Touch: Stir in diced ham during the last 15 minutes to warm it through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove bay leaf before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with croutons, bacon bits, or a swirl of cream.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, skip the ham and use vegetable broth with a dash of liquid smoke for depth.
- Soup will thicken as it sits—add more broth when reheating if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Split pea soup with ham is the ultimate comfort food—thick, hearty, and full of rich, smoky flavor. Whether using up leftovers or making it from scratch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
